According to traditional etymology, Dharamshala translates to 'spiritual dwelling'. The calm expanse of the Dhauladhar Ranges enveloping this city grants it a rich history of spirituality and attracts thousands of travellers from around the globe, looking for that very bliss.
Homestead of the Dalai Lama and innumerable other Tibetans, Dharamshala boasts of beautiful monasteries all around, such as those within the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which also houses the Tibetan Leader's official residence.
Other attractions include the Kalachakra Temple, which houses some hypnotisingly beautiful murals, the Tibet Museum and the Namgyal Gompa, where monks can be seen engaged in animated debates in the afternoon. Apart from the spirituality, this charming little city also hosts International Film festivals, local fairs, Shoton Spring Festival and the vibrant Tibetan Opera- 'Lhamo. The city is usually dormant with regard to adventurous activities, but for those thrill seekers and nature lovers around, an adrenaline rush always awaits them.
Some resorts provide opportunities for paragliding, flying fox, rock climbing, zip lining, rappelling and even night camping. Treks through the magical hills and forests are always invaluable, the most cherished one being, the trek to the snowy peaks of Triund. Dharamshala's vast Tibetan population gives way to charming little kitchen cafes serving the most lip smacking Tibetan dishes, that too at very affordable prices (below Rs 500 for two). Dishes such as thenthuk, thukpa, chocolate and meat medallions are a huge hit with most travellers that have visited and sought refuge in this city's mystical spread.Read More

According to traditional etymology, Dharamshala translates to 'spiritual dwelling'. The calm expanse of the Dhauladhar Ranges enveloping this city grants it a rich history of spirituality and attracts thousands of travellers from around the globe, looking for that very bliss.
Homestead of the Dalai Lama and innumerable other Tibetans, Dharamshala boasts of beautiful monasteries all around, such as those within the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which also houses the Tibetan Leader's official residence.
Other attractions include the Kalachakra Temple, which houses some hypnotisingly beautiful murals, the Tibet Museum and the Namgyal Gompa, where monks can be seen engaged in animated debates in the afternoon. Apart from the spirituality, this charming little city also hosts International Film festivals, local fairs, Shoton Spring Festival and the vibrant Tibetan Opera- 'Lhamo. The city is usually dormant with regard to adventurous activities, but for those thrill seekers and nature lovers around, an adrenaline rush always awaits them.
Some resorts provide opportunities for paragliding, flying fox, rock climbing, zip lining, rappelling and even night camping. Treks through the magical hills and forests are always invaluable, the most cherished one being, the trek to the snowy peaks of Triund. Dharamshala's vast Tibetan population gives way to charming little kitchen cafes serving the most lip smacking Tibetan dishes, that too at very affordable prices (below Rs 500 for two). Dishes such as thenthuk, thukpa, chocolate and meat medallions are a huge hit with most travellers that have visited and sought refuge in this city's mystical spread.

Another mountain town that needs to be explored in December is Dharamsala. For people who like winters, but are not very fond of being snowed in, Dharamsala is a great option. Snowfall here happens in the months of January and February, and the weather stays cool most of December. This is a good time to go because you will not be bothered about sweating it out in the sun, and it will be fun to explore the places around with more enthusiasm. Dharamsala is very close to McLeodganj where you can see various Buddhist monasteries, including the Namgyal Palace, which is home to the 14th Dalai Lama.How to reach Dharamsala:Take an overnight volvo bus to Dharamsala and you will be there around 8 in the morning. Dharamsala also has its own airport.

In the morning you will find yourself in the lap of Himalayas or say at Dharamshala. At the government bus stop you can see the beautiful hilly peaks of the mountain.On the Saturday morning, have a tea first. You can book your hotel in Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj anywhere. I will prefer to book hotel in McLeod Ganj. Because it is only a 30-45 mints journey from one place to another.On first day explore Dharamshala. You can go to a memorial for the war fighter's. Near by is the famous Cricket stadium of Dharamshala. You can shop from the local market. If you are a book worm then you can also go to the library.Try to come back in McLeod Ganj by the evening. Because the square market of McLeod Ganj can give you a feel of another world. If you are a big smoker then you can go to shivay cafe to enjoy such things. Otherwise you can go to Dalai lamba temple to make your evening more pleasant. You can do both the things as well in the same evening.For the dinner I will personally recommend you the Punjabi dhaba in the McLeod Ganj market. It is cheap and best and have the best food. The speciality of this place is its lemon-ginger-honey-tea. This tea is a must beverage to have in the cold. You can enjoy food here in the outdoors aor inside as per your choice.Then have a nice night at your hotel and get ready for the next day excitement.

The next morning was quiet foggy and I took no longer to understand it is THE MCLEODGANJ. The Bus dropped me off at Mcleodganj, 4 kilometers north of Dharamsala, on a cool summer morning, the 12- hour journey from the swelter of the plains to the freshness of the hills was a fairly comfortable one.. I just ran to my hotel which booked from an online site before arrival or can say during my way .I just threw up myself on the bed and got up at 5 in the evening and with no second thoughts i just surveyed the market and it was quiet absorbing.And later I discussed about Kareri Trek with those people were going to lead us from the next day.

We reached the bus station and found our bus. She was empty save a grumpy janitor who was cleaning the interiors. I did not envy that man his job! We asked him to go in and look for a red bag kept in the luggage rack above our seat numbers but he came back to us with the news that there was no red bag there and the conductor had left for the Dharamshala bus station with something similar just a while ago. We were tired of the wild goose chase and decided to stop by at the Namgyal Monsatery home of His Holiness The Dalai Lama which was just 5 minutes away.

Hardly anybody has heard of Nisarga, which is a tiny village on the outskirts of McLeodganj. Surrounded by tall pine trees, unraveling brooks and the horizon lined up with snow-capped ridges of Dhauladhar, Nisarga is a synonym for paradise. One of the most natural off-season places to visit in India, it is beautiful and untouched. The Osho Ashram is located here, where you can go for daily workshops and meditation sessions. For a little more action on your vacation, you can also go to McLeodganj as it is very close by.To reach Nisarga, you can take a train to Pathankot and then take a bus, or you can take the direct Volvo bus from Delhi to Dharamsala (88 km). The nearest airport is in Gaggal, Dharamsala, where direct flights ply.

Day-1 Early morning at 5.30am, & i was already at Dharamshala. Up there at Triund, you either stay in tents, or there's one guest house of forest department, for which i had booked a room already, when planned for friends. Once paid the room rental, a reservation slip can be taken from "Forest Division Office" at Dharamshala

19. Dharamsala -Having direct air connection with Delhi, Himachal Pradesh sounds awesome for a weekend trip. The contrast in weather from Delhi is a prime reason for the visit as well as the natural beauty here. The streets of Delhi are filled with pollution and urban sceneries whereas Dharamsala is a place where you find peace and greenery to sooth your eyes. McLeodganj and the Bhagsunag Waterfalls welcome you to this place and you can seek blessings at the Namgyal Monastery too. Tibetian food is a hit in Dharamsala too. A perfect place to get away from the city of Delhi would be Dharamshala.Approximately 487 kilometres and about nine hours away, this place exists in the upper parts of the famous Kangra Valley and is known for its deodhar trees. The best time to set foot here would be between the months of September to June. Visiting the village of McLeodganj, going on treks, soaking in Tibetan culture and gorging on the delicious cuisine is what this beautiful getaway has to offer. Take our advice, you will love it when you get here and thank us for listing this place as a weekend getaway from Delhi. If you do not want to make a long commute out of Delhi, Dharamshala is one of the places near Delhi that offers a quick retreat. There’s nothing better than making your way to the hills. You also have the luxury of taking a flight to the destination. This is the best time to make a short trip to the hills to take full advantage of the weather. Do not miss out on visiting McLeodganj to experiment with Tibetan cuisine at the local eateries there. The mighty Bhagsunag Falls is another site worth visiting.

Barely 4 km away from Dharamshala by foot, the hill station of McLeod Ganj is home to many majestic monasteries, delicious smelling kitchen cafes, video rental shops, western food cafes, trekking companies and wall to wall stores selling Tibetan souvenirs and many more goodies.
Also known as Little Lhasa and the abode of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual influence and its mystical green hills mark McLeod Ganj as a significant tourist destination and a major traveller hang-out in the Kangra Valley.
A 5-minute walk south of this town will take one to the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which comprises the official residence of the 14th Dalai Lama, vibrant monasteries with beautiful murals and even a bookshop cafe that goes by the name of Namgyal Gompa. Tourist activity after monsoon picks up, after October, with February March being pleasant months to visit the hill station to witness the Losar Festival or the Tibetan New Year being celebrated.
This compact sized town is best explored and enjoyed by walking or trekking. Intriguing short walks around Mcleod Ganj include one that goes 2km east to Bhagsu which leads one to a waterfall and a temple. The most well-known trek, 8 km starting from the town, is to Triund, a snow-flanked and serene camping spot from which one can also travel 5 km ahead to reach a charming little forest rest house.
With many many hipster eateries, the food here is some of the best you'll find at any mountain destination. Read More

Barely 4 km away from Dharamshala by foot, the hill station of McLeod Ganj is home to many majestic monasteries, delicious smelling kitchen cafes, video rental shops, western food cafes, trekking companies and wall to wall stores selling Tibetan souvenirs and many more goodies.
Also known as Little Lhasa and the abode of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual influence and its mystical green hills mark McLeod Ganj as a significant tourist destination and a major traveller hang-out in the Kangra Valley.
A 5-minute walk south of this town will take one to the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which comprises the official residence of the 14th Dalai Lama, vibrant monasteries with beautiful murals and even a bookshop cafe that goes by the name of Namgyal Gompa. Tourist activity after monsoon picks up, after October, with February March being pleasant months to visit the hill station to witness the Losar Festival or the Tibetan New Year being celebrated.
This compact sized town is best explored and enjoyed by walking or trekking. Intriguing short walks around Mcleod Ganj include one that goes 2km east to Bhagsu which leads one to a waterfall and a temple. The most well-known trek, 8 km starting from the town, is to Triund, a snow-flanked and serene camping spot from which one can also travel 5 km ahead to reach a charming little forest rest house.
With many many hipster eateries, the food here is some of the best you'll find at any mountain destination.

McLeodganj is a small suburb in the city of Dharamshala. It is also the headquarters of the Tbetan - Government in exile and has plenty of monasteries if one wants to visit. Monks are a common sight in this small suburb. The peaceful McLeodganj is ideal as a last stop or destination as it provides the perfect atmosphere for calming the senses. McLeodganj is also called the 'Little Lhasa' or 'Dhasa' by the locals who reside over there. Various charitable organizations operate from McLeodganj for the Tibetan cause.

From Chandigarh, I had a full day of riding (on the roughest paved road I’ve ever seen) to get to Mcleodganj. What’s in Mcleodganj? The Dalai Lama and Mountains.
I didn’t see the Dalai Lama, but I did go through the temple. Right before I had to give up my camera, they had this huge banner honoring Tibetans that had self-immolated…grim. Of course, I had to do a little hiking in the mountains. Back home, friends and I would often joke about how it’d be great to have a beer/food/etc. waiting at the end of a big hike or climb. To my surprise, this dream finally came true. At the top of this ridge line, there was a little shop where I warmed up with a nice cup of coffee.

The home of the Dalai Lama is a perfect place to relax and unwind. Lush green mountains, monasteries, western cafes. The place has a lot to offer. Weekends are packed, given its proximity to states of Punjab and Haryana, while weekdays are more calm and relaxed. We spent 2 days in the city, lazing around, exploring local cuisine and visiting the nearby monastries.

Barely 18 kms from Dharamshala, Kangra is the perfect weekend getaway for tourists and explorers alike. This small bustling city hides away quite a few marvels within its Dhauladhar Ranges. Those looking to nestle amidst its simplistic beauty must make it a priority to visit Pragpur village, which is India's only heritage village, a place with an allure that can only be compared with those colourful little European hamlets one has only seen on TV or in children's books.
Another not so well known gem in this city is the Masroor Monolith Rock temple, which is an 8th century archeological wonder made of a group of 15 temples carved out of rock, with a pond in the foreground. A location that remains a favourite with tourists is the Kangra Fort, with ramparts over a 4 km stretch protecting it, atop a hill at the conflux of Patal Ganga and Banganga river.
A 200 metre walk up the road from the Kangra Fort is all that is needed for those wanting to delve more into the city's history, where they shall reach the Maharaja Sansar Chand Museum, which provides an insight into the luxurious lifestyle once led by the Katochs, the erstwhile Kangra Royal family. Adventure seekers will love the various treks that go through the Dhauladhar Ranges usually ending near the Chamba valley, providing picturesque views.
The city houses some of the most charming little cafes that to every book worm's delight have a shelf full of books and cook everything from Himachali, Italian and Tibetan cuisines on the menu. Some renowned cafes and restaurants are Moonpeak, Peace Cafe, Nechung Cafe, Snow Lion Cafe, Jimmy's Italian Cafe and Indique, wherein one can also enjoy live music nights.Read More

Barely 18 kms from Dharamshala, Kangra is the perfect weekend getaway for tourists and explorers alike. This small bustling city hides away quite a few marvels within its Dhauladhar Ranges. Those looking to nestle amidst its simplistic beauty must make it a priority to visit Pragpur village, which is India's only heritage village, a place with an allure that can only be compared with those colourful little European hamlets one has only seen on TV or in children's books.
Another not so well known gem in this city is the Masroor Monolith Rock temple, which is an 8th century archeological wonder made of a group of 15 temples carved out of rock, with a pond in the foreground. A location that remains a favourite with tourists is the Kangra Fort, with ramparts over a 4 km stretch protecting it, atop a hill at the conflux of Patal Ganga and Banganga river.
A 200 metre walk up the road from the Kangra Fort is all that is needed for those wanting to delve more into the city's history, where they shall reach the Maharaja Sansar Chand Museum, which provides an insight into the luxurious lifestyle once led by the Katochs, the erstwhile Kangra Royal family. Adventure seekers will love the various treks that go through the Dhauladhar Ranges usually ending near the Chamba valley, providing picturesque views.
The city houses some of the most charming little cafes that to every book worm's delight have a shelf full of books and cook everything from Himachali, Italian and Tibetan cuisines on the menu. Some renowned cafes and restaurants are Moonpeak, Peace Cafe, Nechung Cafe, Snow Lion Cafe, Jimmy's Italian Cafe and Indique, wherein one can also enjoy live music nights.

The last major spot before Dharamshala, Kangra is a small town in Himachal. Located perfectly in the midst of popular tourist destinations including Mcleodganj, Bir and Billing, this lovely town is a dream to visit.

I started my day from Mcleodganj took local bus to Kangra (Dharamshala City). I visited Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association which is near Kangra. This stadium has a lively view of cool blue sky and surrounded by snow-caped mountains of Dhauladhar. On our way to Mcleodganj we came across St. John Church which is also one of the tourist destination in Dharamshala. Church is covered with lush green trees of Deodar. Parking is the pain here as the roads are too narrow and small. Eye candy for nature lovers.

Best time to visit - March,April,May,June,July,September,October,November

A picturesque and quiet little town, Palampur is a panorama of stunning tea gardens, brooks, creeks, rice paddies and colonial era buildings all set against the backdrop of the breathtaking snow-peaked Dhauladhar ranges. It is perfect for those who seek a getaway from noisy cities and most importantly crowds.
A not so popular tourist destination, Palampur is a town early to rise and early to sleep, whilst being a haven for to those who seek solitude, especially in the lap of nature. Places such as the Neogal Park is highly recommended for refreshing and soothing walks amidst the forest overlooking a river, which even consists of a small man-made lake for boating activities. For all tea lovers out there, visit the tea gardens and the Palampur Cooperative Tea Factory to understand the entire process behind tea manufacturing, which will be happily explained to you through a free tour by the people working there, wherein you can also purchase fresh Kangra tea leaves and many different types of tea.
For handcraft enthusiasts, especially pottery, Andretta Artist's Village is the perfect place for one to not only purchase those clay crafted beauties but also to learn how to make them from scratch. Palampur is open to both Indian and Western cuisines, with a number of commendable and affordable restaurants to eat at. To try something more authentic or 'Pahari' for that matter, Sai Gardens is highly recommended for its versatility and prowess especially in the Himachali cuisine. Adventure seekers can enjoy paragliding and other activities in Bir, a place about an hour away from Palampur, guaranteed to give you a memorable time. Read More

A picturesque and quiet little town, Palampur is a panorama of stunning tea gardens, brooks, creeks, rice paddies and colonial era buildings all set against the backdrop of the breathtaking snow-peaked Dhauladhar ranges. It is perfect for those who seek a getaway from noisy cities and most importantly crowds.
A not so popular tourist destination, Palampur is a town early to rise and early to sleep, whilst being a haven for to those who seek solitude, especially in the lap of nature. Places such as the Neogal Park is highly recommended for refreshing and soothing walks amidst the forest overlooking a river, which even consists of a small man-made lake for boating activities. For all tea lovers out there, visit the tea gardens and the Palampur Cooperative Tea Factory to understand the entire process behind tea manufacturing, which will be happily explained to you through a free tour by the people working there, wherein you can also purchase fresh Kangra tea leaves and many different types of tea.
For handcraft enthusiasts, especially pottery, Andretta Artist's Village is the perfect place for one to not only purchase those clay crafted beauties but also to learn how to make them from scratch. Palampur is open to both Indian and Western cuisines, with a number of commendable and affordable restaurants to eat at. To try something more authentic or 'Pahari' for that matter, Sai Gardens is highly recommended for its versatility and prowess especially in the Himachali cuisine. Adventure seekers can enjoy paragliding and other activities in Bir, a place about an hour away from Palampur, guaranteed to give you a memorable time.

Palampur is famously known as the tea capital of north India and is located at a convenient distance of the Dhauladhar ranges in the Kangra valley. The best thing to do in Palampur during off season is to explore the tea gardens and indulge in paragliding. Palampur is considered as the best paragliding spot in India and we should completely make use of it! You can visit the Chamunda Devi Temple and the Bajinath temple. Palampur suits all those people looking for a pristine getaway, far off from the flocks of tourists.The nearest airport is the Kangra Airport, 40 km away from Palampur. You can also reach this destination by rail and road; the nearest railway station is in Pathankot.1. RajasthanWhy Rajasthan: Because the 'Land of Kings' is full of stunning palaces and royal hilltop forts outlined against an incredible countryside.Why During Off-season: When the rain comes down on the shining sandy desert, it’s not only the surface that turns green but also the joy on the face of the locals will fill you with awe. So, visit Rajasthan during July - September.

Palampur is famously known as the tea capital of north India and is located at a convenient distance of the Dhauladhar ranges in the Kangra valley. The best thing to do in Palampur during off season is to explore the tea gardens and indulge in paragliding. Palampur is considered as the best paragliding spot in India and we should completely make use of it! You can visit the Chamunda Devi Temple and the Bajinath temple. Palampur suits all those people looking for a pristine getaway, far off from the flocks of tourists.The nearest airport is the Kangra Airport, 40 km away from Palampur. You can also reach this destination by rail and road; the nearest railway station is in Pathankot.

Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,August,September,October,November,December

A quick getaway destination for Delhi-NCR residents, Mussoorie or the 'Queen of Hills' is the most favoured place for anyone battling urban heat.
It remains quite crowded from May to July, as popular hotels and hangouts such as Mall Road, Mussoorie Lake, Kempty Falls and Gun Hill remain pervaded with tourists no matter where or what you may set your eyes upon. But if you carry the spirit of an explorer within you, Mussoorie can surprise you in many ways.
For instance, if you curious to check out where the man who Mt. Everest is named after, once lived, you can reach the house and laboratory through a picturesque 4 km walk from Library Bazaar or Gandhi Chowk. Ditch the customary visit to Kempty Falls and take an uplifting trek to the quiet, serene and crystal clear Jharipani Falls instead. Mussoorie, when mist free, provides frame-worthy views of the Himalayan ranges, which can be enjoyed at points such as Lal Tibba, Nag Tibba and Camel Back Road, all of which need to be trekked or walked to, with the effort being worthwhile.
Devalsari, a village quietly burrowed 55 km away from Mussoorie, is the gateway to the Nag Tibba trek and a location perfect for seeing beautiful butterflies and birds in the heart of nature. For those curious to delve into Himalayan life, history, art, culture and spirituality, Soham Heritage and Art Centre gives exquisite displays of the former, through various artefacts. As for foodies, restaurants such as Neelam, Imperial Square, Meeting Point Cafe and Casa Mia bakery do justice to North Indian, European and Tibetan cuisines and also offer delicious cafe knick knacks and drinks. Read More

A quick getaway destination for Delhi-NCR residents, Mussoorie or the 'Queen of Hills' is the most favoured place for anyone battling urban heat.
It remains quite crowded from May to July, as popular hotels and hangouts such as Mall Road, Mussoorie Lake, Kempty Falls and Gun Hill remain pervaded with tourists no matter where or what you may set your eyes upon. But if you carry the spirit of an explorer within you, Mussoorie can surprise you in many ways.
For instance, if you curious to check out where the man who Mt. Everest is named after, once lived, you can reach the house and laboratory through a picturesque 4 km walk from Library Bazaar or Gandhi Chowk. Ditch the customary visit to Kempty Falls and take an uplifting trek to the quiet, serene and crystal clear Jharipani Falls instead. Mussoorie, when mist free, provides frame-worthy views of the Himalayan ranges, which can be enjoyed at points such as Lal Tibba, Nag Tibba and Camel Back Road, all of which need to be trekked or walked to, with the effort being worthwhile.
Devalsari, a village quietly burrowed 55 km away from Mussoorie, is the gateway to the Nag Tibba trek and a location perfect for seeing beautiful butterflies and birds in the heart of nature. For those curious to delve into Himalayan life, history, art, culture and spirituality, Soham Heritage and Art Centre gives exquisite displays of the former, through various artefacts. As for foodies, restaurants such as Neelam, Imperial Square, Meeting Point Cafe and Casa Mia bakery do justice to North Indian, European and Tibetan cuisines and also offer delicious cafe knick knacks and drinks.

After bungee we all were discussing about the jump where I met these two guys - Adarsh and Ketan. That day only Prakshaya was leaving, so I made a plan with them to go on a day tour to Mussoorie. We exchanged our number and planned a place to meet in morning. After that I went to look for a place to stay. I spotted a decent looking hotel and went in to ask price. The manager was an old man and asked for Rs 800 a night, but as I was alone I gave my 'student hoon uncle' wala funda and managed to get the room for Rs 250. Yeah that's correct :D 250 !! That too with a cozy double bed, room service, hot water, TV n all :D I read my novel for a while, went all over again the day in my head and went to sleep.Now, we booked Indica with an awesome driver for a day for Rs 3500, which included roaming around Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Dehradoon and back to Tapovan.

On this independence day, Standing on the terrace I was bit high ;) People were flying kites. They were more interested in cutting other’s kites rather than enjoying their own flight. With the sun setting down, the sky was painted in orange colour, The birds flying back to their homes. I stood amazed by the marvelous of the Qutub Minar , surrounded by the green patch of land. Each minute a flight descends as its belly touches the tip of qutub minar in the long distance. The winds were gushing all over. I was standing on the edge of the cliff. I wanted to FLY . One ,two and three, I jumped off the platform. It took me three seconds to realize that I wasn’t flying but falling rapidly. Didn’t know when that 83 mts is going to end. STOP. Let’s go a week behind. 7 panick attacks in 5 days. With enough disappointments and frustrations I had a huge spat with my best friend. I started my bike at 0300 hrs. Being tired to failing to reach every pre fixed destinations of life, I chose to travel now with no destination. I wore my army combat pants and boots which eliminated the last thoughts. I hit the highways, the roads were empty, the sun played hide and seek with the clouds. Though I ve heard all songs in my playlist, I understood it for the first time. I reached a family friends place in Dehradun for lunch. Uncle and my dad served together 12 years back in Delhi. Me and his two kids ,now as adults reminisced the little fun we had during childhood , testing each others memory. The next day I planned to visit mussoorie and stay for the night. Since I don’t like crowded place, I took a diversion to bhatta falls. A classy 5 step water falls. The minimal population made it a perfect place to enjoy certain solitude. I trekked along the waters to sit on a stone n the middle of the river. It was bit sunny and I rose to leave. Reached the view points of mussoorie and recced through the mall roads. It was yet 1500 hrs. I decided to ride further more to escape the crowd. As I started a sign borad pops up- Dhanaulti ( 36 kms). As I reached Dhanaulti, the temperature dropped to around 12 degree celcius. All I had as a sweat shirt and every time the wind blew , cold crawled through my face. A nice room for 500 bucks. I had two cups of chai and sat in the corridor facing the step civilization. Few bunches of houses here and there inbetween the valley. I ate half kilos of chicken all by myself and squirmed into the cozy blankets. I switched on the Tv to watch ABD smash all balls over the boundary. He was then playing for RCB. I woke up as the morning sun warmed up the air. The owner said, I should visit tehri dam before leaving

It was my second week of course work classes at college and I was already frustrated with daily formalities and boring lectures. I prepared a mental plan to visit Mussoorie with few of my seniors or friends. Mind you such mental plans I keep on making almost once or twice of every month. So, finally Friday evening arrived and I thought knowing the busy schedule of other people that why not I go alone. There was a safe side to it since I knew about the destination and all the roads leading to it. The unsafe part was the weather. It was the month of July and a heavy rainfall was happening everywhere leading to the possibility of land slides in hilly areas. But then I thought well that can be taken up as another challenge. I have to go and experiment with this one. An inner voice literally pushed me from outside. So at around 11 pm on Friday I was surfing through this site called ' Trivago' and somehow booked my hotel in Mussoorie for one night. It cost me around 2000 Indian rupees and I was pretty satisfied by the photographs of the room and the hotel. The name of the hotel was - hotel Basera at mall road near Gandhi chowk. For a minute after booking the hotel I could not believe that I did the booking. It was so unusual for a person like me to do such a thing. It was very random and quick. But this act pushed me to pack my bags and set my alarm of 6 am next morning. I informed my senior about my to be adventurous trip and told her if you still find me sleeping in my room the next morning then you can assume that I didn't left at all .But the opposite happened; I got up around 5 am and left my hostel around 6 am.On arriving at the bus stand which is quite near to my college gate I completely forgot about the Kanwar season. This a brief reminder to everyone that there is a Kanwar yatra that happens in the monsoon season near Haridwar which is an annual pilgrimage of devotees of lord Shiva in which these people fetch holy water of river Ganga and travel to their native places on foot in order to offer the holy water to the local Shiva temples. Currently, this religious yatra has become quite unsafe for other pedestrians and travelers because of many reasons that I cannot discuss here. So, I saw everywhere these Kanwar people looking suspiciously at me and I was really worried about how will I get on the bus to Dehradun alone. But I gathered courage and went on with my general inquiry for the bus. See here I would like to say if the God's wish matches with your wish then no matter what you will complete the task and your wish will be fulfilled. These lines are put here because the moment I stepped near the inquiry counter I found my two juniors waiting for the same bus. Oh! what a relief I got after seeing them. The journey to Dehradun in a bus that costed me around 81 Indian rupees went really good. We chatted a lot throughout the journey and I found out that these people were going to a place called Chamba on bikes which they were going to hire from Dehradun.On arriving at Dehradun ISBT, I took a blue colored sharing tempo which is called ' Vikram' in this area to Mussoorie bus stand. The ride cost me 10 rupees. I reached the Mussoorie bus stand and took my ticket to Mussoorie of about 56 rupees. The beautiful bus journey to Mussoorie made my small attempt fruitful. The moment I saw the mountains my heart jumped with excitement.' It is always the same with mountains. Once you have lived with them for any length of time, you belong to them. There is no escape'- Ruskin BondThese beautiful lines came to my mind on the journey. I was getting a bit sleepy and dizziness was what I was experiencing probably due to the hills and no breakfast in the morning. A huge mistake. I learned this lesson that whenever one is leaving for a journey morning breakfast is a must. Because this thought dawned upon me that who will take care of me if I fall ill here. I don't have any companion. But thankfully on arriving at the hill station all the dizziness and sleep just faded. It was raining at moderate scale and I had a task in front of me to search for my hotel Basera. Upon inquiry, I found out the directional signage and followed the trail. Honestly in the middle, I felt as if whether I have committed another mistake of booking a shady hotel or not. The thought that sometimes what is shown on the net is not what is, in reality, came inside my tiny brain. I prepared a mental countermeasure to it that is to leave Mussoorie by afternoon. But surprisingly the hotel was very good and safe beyond my expectation. It was an off-season for tourists but still there was a lot of crowd in the hill station and also in the hotel that I booked. I found my room very cosy , neat, clean and safe.

5. Mussoorie -If you are looking for a weekend reprieve, Mussoorie should be at the top of your list. Widely known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ – this paradise on Earth is everything you can hope to look for. The natural beauty attracts tourists from across the country. Situated at around 7000ft, Mussoorie will give you breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks as well as the stunning Doon valley. It definitely is one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi.

20. The comfortable beauty of MussoorieNestled in the bosom of the Garhwal ranges is the beautiful Mussoorie, considered to be one of the top hill stations in India. Around 30 kilometres away from Dehradun, Mussoorie is referred to as the Queen of the Hills. The awesome view of the Himalayan Range that one gets to see from here is to die for thus propelling it as one of the top hill stations in India.

Mussoorie’s ghat is one of the most challenging ghats, I have driven. it's around 25 kilometers long ghat but its fun to drive. The challenge with this ghat is, though you are a good driver but people over here are nasty; they will not Honk on blind turns, they will overtake you on the risky roads and to top it all they will abuse you for driving slow. I was like what the hell :-|If you want a more challenging road then one must take the route via HaathiPaao. This seemed to be a newly built road, without any traffic, without any barricades, without any signboards, absolutely nothing except sharp and risky turns. Pooja and Bandi turned off the music, were mum and just hoping to move out as soon as possible. The beauty of this road was epic; mountain peaks covered with clouds, roads foggy, and mist in the air. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Mussoorie9. Café By the WayCafe By The Way is one of those places where the ambience just can't go wrong, anytime any day. The place serves the best coffee in town and the innovative decor of the place will put you in a good mood right away.

MussoorieNext day early morning was target was exploring the Famous Hill station Mussoorie, due to time constraint, travelled to mussoorie with booked taxi car. Merely 38 Kms but the zig zag roads and the mountaneous view was worth watching. Mussoorie is at the elevation 2005 mtr.Chekouts & Significance:Kempty Falls : One can have a chilling experience and enjoy the Kempty Falls, chilled water flowing from the Foohills of himalaya Mountain, Though the place is highly commercialized with a boundary at the base of the water fall, we get to enjoy the chilled water freezing us still refreshing us. A ride through the Rope way or walk through the steps.One can have a bath & swim around, There is facility of changing clothes & get clothes on rent for Rs 10-20 /- . Company Garden : Its is a Place to have a watch on beautiful flowers planted and a walk through the garden and click some beautiful pictures.Can spend quiet time viewing the nature here. There is a wax museum to have a look on some wax statues there, true hard work.There are some eat out joints too. A small pond where you can paddle in a boat.Mall Road : A shopping destination at evening, you can gorge on some delicious local North dishes (Chole, Puri, Bhatura, Ras Malai... Yumm! it was) and travel through the Rope way, play some childhood games at uphill plateau, watch the scenic views, Parvati Temple.There is point wherein you can have a view through the telescope at the highest point of Mussorie- Lal Tibba, Old schools , Himalayan Foothills, Gadhwal Village, Nepali Kings Palace.These are the places to explore in case mussoorie is more than 1 day trip.Mussoorie Lake : Its is place with food joints besides a lake at the centre, i must say all the food items were expensive here.. Adventure sports such as paragliding, Bubble water walk, Mountain Biking etc are available, Can Try Paragliding after necessary bargaining as the time given to us for the glide lasts only for 30-40 sec. Dhanaulti is a hill station 24 kms from Mussoorie, altitude of 2280 Mtr and has quiet environment amidst in natures lap. People enjoy over night camping here. Eco park, sukanda devi temple are places to visit.Breathtaking view of our own Himalaya, Gadhwal himalaya is possible from here. To visit the snow cladded himalayan ranges is dream of many of us.. Mine is too on cards may be soon.

"The Queen Of Hills" as is popularly known, Mussoorie covers an expanse of beautifully located hills at a drive of 1 hour from Dehradun. The fog clad moutains, steep yet curvy roads, the lush of green covering habitations and the chillness of the january winter are all to die for. Despite the abundant tourist spots about its periphery, a nomadic escapade through these hills unravels the culture and achitecture of this once colonial summer retreat.

Dehradun is easily one of the most popular hill stations in India. Though easily accessible by all modes of transportation, taking the road would be the best way to experience this heaven. The drive will take you through dense forests on the hilly road and if you're lucky, you might even see a wild elephant or leopard pass you by. The fresh and dewy hill air will infiltrate your lungs and put you in a great mood right away.
In terms of things to see, there is Robber's Cave, a river cave formation and Sahashtradhara, which is also a stunning sight of nature consisting of sulphur springs. But more than its sights, Dehradun is the perfect place for a family getaway. After all it has everything that you could need for a relaxing holiday. The town has many vintage bookshops (Natraj Publishers, The English Book Depot), college campuses with hilly backdrops, architectural marvels (such as the Forest Research Institute), alleys filled with quaint restaurants, adventure sports gear shops and forest resorts and hotels to fit every budget. Vishranti, a resort tucked away discreetly in the Sal forests of the Doon valley, deserves a special mention for its beauty and luxury. The city is a haven for foodies as Dehradun offers a lot of variety and affordability in its cuisine. Restaurants and cafes such as Doon Darbar, renowned for devour-worthy Mughlai dishes and The Buffet for its mouthwatering burgers, cutlets and coffee, are popular options. Read More

Dehradun is easily one of the most popular hill stations in India. Though easily accessible by all modes of transportation, taking the road would be the best way to experience this heaven. The drive will take you through dense forests on the hilly road and if you're lucky, you might even see a wild elephant or leopard pass you by. The fresh and dewy hill air will infiltrate your lungs and put you in a great mood right away.
In terms of things to see, there is Robber's Cave, a river cave formation and Sahashtradhara, which is also a stunning sight of nature consisting of sulphur springs. But more than its sights, Dehradun is the perfect place for a family getaway. After all it has everything that you could need for a relaxing holiday. The town has many vintage bookshops (Natraj Publishers, The English Book Depot), college campuses with hilly backdrops, architectural marvels (such as the Forest Research Institute), alleys filled with quaint restaurants, adventure sports gear shops and forest resorts and hotels to fit every budget. Vishranti, a resort tucked away discreetly in the Sal forests of the Doon valley, deserves a special mention for its beauty and luxury. The city is a haven for foodies as Dehradun offers a lot of variety and affordability in its cuisine. Restaurants and cafes such as Doon Darbar, renowned for devour-worthy Mughlai dishes and The Buffet for its mouthwatering burgers, cutlets and coffee, are popular options.

This beautiful town happens to be located in Jammu & Kashmir and is an abode for those who wish to pursue Buddhism. The place is surrounded by tall mountains, clear blue water, a white surrounding and many monasteries. The people here are warm and welcome tourists. Found midway between the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains, the beauty of Leh is beyond words, making it a hotspot with the tourists. Visiting the local markets here is a treat as one will get to browse through Tibetan jewelry, carpets, woolens and much more. Be sure to carry an extra bag to fit in all your purchases.

28th Septemeber 0600 hrs I was up. After a quick loo call, stepped out to the balcony with a cup of coffee. The air was crisp and cold, tempting me to spike my drink with something headier. Had it not been for the journey, I would have. Post checking emails and messages, posting the previous day pictures on social media sites, did a final bag check based on my cross examination of Arjun. Image result for leh to pangong lake road mapNo good loos on the way, so pack a roll of toilet paper, bacterial sanitizer, soap, anti-diarrheal medicines, motion sickness medicines, dry snacks including chocolate bars. I knew that 30 km of the road from Leh to Karu was great. Rest of the 120 km was "not bad" or at least not as bad as the Khardungla - Nubra road. I must confess that I hadn't done my homework as well as I usually do to be confident. My belly was sending out mixed signals, worrisome actually. By 0730 hrs we were both ready for the trip and breakfast. Had to stay light, so picked up whatever appeared to conform. Fruits and juice and a bit of cheese. After consuming it, I thought... just thought that it was possibly a big mistake. The waiting staff having discovered that we were off to Pangong, packed up a hamper from the breakfast buffet as we had hardly touched anything at all. The thoughtfulness more than the hospitality at this hotel really touched my heart. At 5 minutes to 8, I got a call, it was Arjun, he was outside. Now, that worry was ticked off from my list. "All good?" I asked. He nodded and said I should speak to "Haqqa" as Haq was addressed locally. Haq inquired if we slept well and well rested, and if there was anything that needed to be done while we were on the trip. I told him we should have dinner together and he was happy to accept. On our way, the first 30 minutes was a repeat of last evening, so I went into a light doze mode. We had to stop at Karu for submitting the permit. Arjun said that it was the last stop where one could find a decent loo. What I assumed was a 5 minute procedural stop, turned out to be a wait of 20 minutes. Arjun was nowhere to be seen. When he showed up, I asked why the wait and he said something about the road ahead being blocked for traffic until 0900 hrs. I called his bluff as I saw other vehicles proceeding and he too got in, though a bit reluctantly. Haq would hear of this, I don't like being lied to. The road condition was getting progressively worse, as was my mood. I could see road works being carried out, but that many patches of diversion and lots of mud and dust in the air. Normally, one would roll up the windows and turn on the air-con or heater as the case maybe, but in this vehicle, it was busted. Moreover, the sun rays had become strong enough to sting through the clothes. Some 10km and 20 minutes later we reached the village of Sakti. At this rate, I thought it would take longer than 5 hours to get to our destination. At Sakti, right enough, the road to Pangong was shut and the traffic was diverted to an alternate route. I say route because it was nothing but a dirt track going up hill. Windows had to be kept shut. If there was a meter to measure my angst, trust me, it would have been hovering around the danger mark. Fortunately, we were climbing and the temperature inside soon became bearable. 10 km and 30 minutes later, we were joined back to the Pangong Rd. This stretch looked well tarred and full of hope. I asked Arjun if the road from here on would resemble this surface? He responded saying mountain roads are quite unpredictable. Unlike the two days earlier, he wasn't in much of a talking mood. Maybe, bored of us, just as I was of the scenery outside. Nothing that was so exceptional for me to take pains to shoot. 22 km and 45 minutes later, we reached the military camp of Zingral. Arjun stopped the vehicle and ran to the loo. 15 minutes later he reappeared looking sick. Bad stomach he said. His disappearance at Karu could now be explained too. I gave him a tablet and asked if I should drive. He said, once we start the down hill track, he would let me drive. I discovered why soon enough. A km away, it was Khardungla all over again for the next 45 minutes covering the 12 km to Chang La (Altitude 17,500 ft 5,360 m), the supposed second highest motorable pass in India, if not the world. The climb is steep and the area an avalanche zone. That explains Mr. Arjun's "mountain roads are unpredictable" statement. Already behind time (it was 1130 hrs now), and still at half way mark (75km from Leh)I egged Arjun to drive on. There were patches of snow slush on the road, remnants the ice and snow that had slid down from a bit higher up. Arjun drove another 35 km to Durbuk, from there, I took over. There was some 45 Km of driving left, with me at the wheel 1 hr 15 min max. The road was narrow, bad in parts, but that's exactly what an SUV is born to tackle. The test of the pudding was Arjun falling asleep on the rear seat. My wife would have failed me in a driving test. She kept yelling at me to be careful, reminding us we have kids at home. I told her to focus on the scenery ahead and take some pictures. The landscape had changed and we were in what resembled a cross a cross between the Grand Canyon and Mars. We passed through a 100 mt stretch that had just been bulldozed after being shut by an avalanche a day or two earlier.At 1300 hrs, it was visible. Pangong Tso. My foot became heavier on the pedal and no amount of jumps and bumps could wake the baby called Arjun slumbering behind. Finally, we made it. Spectacular is all what I could say. One has to be an idiot to this journey, but then it's worth it. Now we had to psyche ourselves to endure the 5 hours back. A billion pictures, pee in an open to sky lav, maggi noodles and ginger lemon tea later, we hit the road. One could pitch a tent and explore the entirety of the lake. But that is for the serious adventurer. I could only set my clock backwards to take me back to Leh. Fortunately, the medicine and sleep had revived Arjun and he was back to his jovial self. The way back was just the same, except that I switched places with Arjun in the sick bay. The altitude at Chang la got me and I puked the morning fruit juice and tea that had been the cause of it. Besides that adventure, and stopping for 15 minutes on the road to act as good Samaritans to a car suffering a flat wheel, the journey was uneventful. We made it back in 4 1/2 hours. Yippee! And, Arjun was rewarded for the same. An early dinner with Haq recounting our adventure completed, we were tired and wanted to just sleep. Next morning was a flight to Srinagar, and the situation there, was reported to be too far from normal. But the hotel had called and informed us that a car would be waiting to pick us up. So it could not be as bad as being talked about - right?

The only words that seem to do justice to the timeless beauty of the Pangong Lake, are 'Paradise on Earth'.With hues that range from a brilliant turquoise to a deep blue, this shimmering patch of sky on land is the highest salt water lake in Asia.These tranquil waters are a must-see for anyone visiting Ladakh.

02-Sep-15 Turtuk to Leh 241 Kms driven
Stay at: Jorchung Guest House, Main Tukcha Road, Leh
Tariff : 1800/- per room per night
In Leh, there are quite a few places to visit and these can be covered in a day. We visited Zorawar Fort where all the history of Ladakh is displayed. Shey Palace was also very beautiful and it has a Buddha Temple too. We also visited 3 Idiots fame, Rancho’s school, Druk White Lotus School. You get to see many monasteries in this region. We visited the Hemis Monastery. The experience of the peace inside the monastery and to see how they offered their prayers to the God was pleasant. You must visit Shanti Stupa for a sunrise or a sunset. It gives a picturesque view of Leh and its surrounding mountains.

After non-stop journey of 24 hrs finally we reached our desination Leh at hotel Lingzi. Next day we started our journey towards Shanti Stupa, was built for peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2500 yrs of buddhism. It is considered a symbol of the ties between the people of Japan and Ladakh as both japanese and ladakhi buddhishts helped built it. The premises of Stupa offers the spectacular views of the ladakh and himalayas.

I lost myself in Ladakh to find myself. A Walk for 5-6kms from my camp in pangong lake to some village was the best time of my life. I was alone, didn't care about anything. I was lying on the ground and looking up at the sky and all I could hear is the rhythm of breeze!!!!

LEH, is one of the sexiest place I have ever been to, people are honest, surrounded by beautiful mountains, wooden art can be seen in bulk.
Leh, was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, now the Leh district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Leh district, with an area of 45,110 kilometers, is the second largest district in the country, after Kutch, Gujarat (in terms of area). The town is dominated by the ruined Leh Palace, the former mansion of the royal family of Ladakh, built in the same style and about the same time as the Potala Palace-the chief residence of the Dalai Lama.

This city has been a refuge for spiritual seekers long before The Beatles christened it with their visit in the 60's. Widely known as the pilgrimage town and also the 'yoga capital of the world', Rishikesh is home to myriad temples, yoga and meditation centres and a plethora of adventure activities.
With an interesting backdrop of the rapid flowing Ganges river and iron-made suspension bridges (Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula), the city has also been a popular hub for travellers and backpackers alike. When it comes to food and drinks, Rishikesh remains a strict teetotaller and a vegetarian, even though you might find with great exploratory skills, a few restaurants not adhering to the prohibition. Some great restaurants and cafes include Little Buddha Cafe where you can enjoy your meals in a treehouse-style ambience.
Rishikesh provides a spectacular treat to the eyes and music to the ears during sunrise and sunset, as sadhus (priests), pilgrims and tourists all around, prepare for the routine 'Ganga Aarti' with temple bells resonating all around and innumerable diyas or small clay pot lit lamps dancing over the river Ganga to that reverberating music, as religious offerings.
Rishikesh warmly welcomes thrill seekers, who can try out a number of activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, zip lining, mountain biking and rappelling. The city also annually hosts the International Yoga Festival where yoga gurus, aficionados and devotees from around the globe throng the place (popularly the Parmarth Niketan Ashram) and give various lessons and lectures on yoga, meditation and spirituality. Read More

This city has been a refuge for spiritual seekers long before The Beatles christened it with their visit in the 60's. Widely known as the pilgrimage town and also the 'yoga capital of the world', Rishikesh is home to myriad temples, yoga and meditation centres and a plethora of adventure activities.
With an interesting backdrop of the rapid flowing Ganges river and iron-made suspension bridges (Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula), the city has also been a popular hub for travellers and backpackers alike. When it comes to food and drinks, Rishikesh remains a strict teetotaller and a vegetarian, even though you might find with great exploratory skills, a few restaurants not adhering to the prohibition. Some great restaurants and cafes include Little Buddha Cafe where you can enjoy your meals in a treehouse-style ambience.
Rishikesh provides a spectacular treat to the eyes and music to the ears during sunrise and sunset, as sadhus (priests), pilgrims and tourists all around, prepare for the routine 'Ganga Aarti' with temple bells resonating all around and innumerable diyas or small clay pot lit lamps dancing over the river Ganga to that reverberating music, as religious offerings.
Rishikesh warmly welcomes thrill seekers, who can try out a number of activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, zip lining, mountain biking and rappelling. The city also annually hosts the International Yoga Festival where yoga gurus, aficionados and devotees from around the globe throng the place (popularly the Parmarth Niketan Ashram) and give various lessons and lectures on yoga, meditation and spirituality.

Why Rishikesh?There are various no of reasons why Rishikesh is the best location for white water rafting amongst all the other places.1. Unlike other places Rishikesh is near to the heart of the country I.e. Delhi which makes it easily approachable in a day. It is one of the best weekend escape… Hence if someone wants to wash his evils by holy dip in Ganges then it's better to go for rafting then Haridwar ????????2. It is connected via road and train. Hence one can catch a bus or train and if someone is a road trip enthusiast then riding down is the best option to make your adventure more thrilling… the soothing highway, the small roads and the curvy mountains, this road trip has it all in a limited distance. It makes us enjoy the ride without exhausting ourselfs before the start of our adventure…3. Rishikesh offers a lot more than just rafting. Here one can have asia’s highest and India’s only bungy jump, flying fox and other adventure activities along with numerous camping location which are the best for refreshing from the exhausted mind, full of week’s work.4. This trip can be planned in any time of the year except June to September.5. The whole package in Rishikesh is economical as compare to the various other locations…. Hence anyone can plan for it but someone said once the best trips are the one without planning… hence Rishikesh is one such place you don't need to plan much and check your pocket every now and then.The DriveThe drive to Rishikesh is 6 hrs of journey from Delhi… it's a wonderful mega highway till Roorkee where your bike will be flying cross 100 and you can enjoy the smooth road… then comes a bit rough patch while crossing Roorkee and ahead is again a clean highway till Haridwar. From Haridwar one will taste the beginning of Himalayan mountains and its curvy roads seducing you.The CampingRishikesh city provides packages for everyone, like whether if you want to do camping and rafting combo or single part alone. One can take a camping package to spend the night. Some enthusiast also pitch their own tents and make their own bonfire... but the point is, one must spend a night near river bed, tent at one side, bonfire to other with music in background, some beer in hand and most importantly your best bud along with you to cherish this moment with you(thanks to my coursemate for being part of this). In the morning, the camps also provide lots of sports activities like volleyball, trekking and various other things. after having a decent breakfast one can move on to the task of the day. These camping sites provide all three meals of the day. The Garhwali cooks best known for their spicy food will provide the homely meals which is being enjoyed by all.Note: Rishikesh is a dry town. Hence it's better to carry liquor from starting or one have to drive down till Shivpuri or raiwala to get liquor.

RISHIKESH - UttrakhandI have been to Rishikesh many times. Rishikesh is actually a perfect weekend gateway. It has everything which a traveler is looking for. The best memory is of Bunjee Jumping at Jumpin Heights.Death Defying experience | Bungee Jumping | Extreme Adventure | Camping – RishikeshRest some captures, which are very close to my heart.

The time we were in Rishikesh was off season for the much looked upon tourist place. We Indians mostly don't travel to north during winters, but it was the wanderlust that took me to the place much vacant during that time of year. You would mostly find aborigines, hippies, saints and all kind of different people there looking for peace.Reaching Rishikesh bus stand, we gave a call to one of our contact and he told us to come further to Tapovan. Tapovan is a small town 8kms from Rishikesh. The auto dropped us at Laxman Jhula. i I didn't wanted to stay in hotel or something, I came here to be in the wilderness, so I chose to live in it and experience it. We told him that we want to stay in Riverside camp, but he insisted to stay in hotel as these camps are normally unpopulated at this point of time. Anyways we booked a camp.During the season time it would have costed us 3500/person or even more, but we managed to book the camp for 1700/person which included night stay at riverside camp, bon fire, rafting, snacks, dinner and breakfast. We headed towards the camp then.It was at shivpuri, further 12km from Tapovan, we were told to book a cab from there which would have costed us like 500bucks but the camp manager was kind enough to allow us in the Jeep that was on the way to camp for running errands.

Rishikesh Rafting
This one’s for all the adrenaline lovers out there! Brave the fierce, frothing rapids of the mighty Ganges with nothing but a tiny raft, a crew of screeching friends and a smirking instructor on your side. Once you emerge from the freezing waters, craving for more, try your hand at the wide range of adventure sports, such as flying fox, kayaking, valley crossing, and the wildest of them all—cliff jumping! Huddle around the roaring campfire at night, gazing at the constellations above and you’ll realize just how beautiful life and friendship are.

Rishikesh has a plethora of things to do and see, for all kinds of travellers. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, head out to yoga and meditation ashrams that are picturesquely located on the banks of Ganga. If you are a sporty person, then rafting in the river is something you should definitely try. Everything said and done, Rishikesh is without a doubt an exciting destination to visit in India.How to reach Rishikesh:Rishikesh is well connected by road and rail. The best option is to take a bus straight to Rishikesh, or drive down there yourself.

One destination's stories I lend my ears to, every summers, is Rishikesh. The aura of the place is such that attracts youngsters to it every year. So being the hotspot, this time I decided to make it a part of my travel plan. And after experiencing the liveliness of the place, I was compelled to scribble my thoughts and experience of the trip.Day 1Our road trip started 22nd April 2016 early morning. Chit chatting, munching and galloping, taking naps and caught by the attention of adventure, we reached Rishikesh by mid-day.Located downhill (Havel River Cottage and Rafting Camps), with a perfect river side ambience, our cottage offered impressive naïve countryside feel.

Rishikesh is 20 Km from Haridwar and we were in mood to enjoy the ride as the road passes from the forest area having some great views. It took 45 minutes to reach Rishikesh. Our first stop in Rishikesh is near by the Ram jhula. This is the point where rafting ends. We were sitting on the ghats and enjoying the scene by putting our feet in the chilled water. We saw the groups of people enjoying the rafting there and after watching them we decided to go for rafting. I called up one of my friend who is the owner of a rafting and camping company. He managed 9 KM rafting for us which starts from Brahmpuri and ends on Ram jhula.

If you live in Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun, I am sure you are always looking for quick trip for weekends. Even if you are not in these cities but you visit Rishikesh quite often from Delhi or Haryana, you want to do more than regular attractions like Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. There are lot of quick trips around Rishikesh but most of these are getting popular with time and crowded (thanks for ever growing tourism industry).During our recent trip to hometown Rishikesh, we recently did a quick trip to VindhyaWasini Temple which is situated in Rajaji Tiger Reserve (also know as Rajaji National Park). It's very close to Rishikesh, around 23 km. The road passes through Cheela Dam Road and after a point it's not great motorable road. The trip involved adventure of rough terrain, passing through several water stream and spectacular view from top. You can complete the whole trip in 4 to 5 hours and lifetime of memories. Here are few tips and pictures of Trip.1. After a point, road is very rough, so don't take low clearing cars.

“Don't give yourself time to hesitate or contemplate because once the fear sets in your legs won’t let you leap”. I barely paid heed to what the handsome New Zealander was whispering into my ears.Words of motivation, words of philosophy, nothing works when you are looking down 83 meters. 83 meters into a rocky valley with a stream trickling by. You either jump or regret your fear ,all your life.“Look at that yellow spot in front of you and then leap towards success”. How can I look anywhere else but below? I can hear the stream gushing, I can see the deep valley, I can see a spec of spectators waiting for me to leap. My eyes kept darting down and my brain pleaded me to back down, but my heart mumbled a feeble’ let go’. I guess the feeble voice from my heart overpowered the loud shouts in my head, and I let go.“3 2 1, Now”. Without any second thoughts or slightest of hesitations, my legs impulsively took off and I recklessly plummeted down; upside down. I could barely catch my breath or keep my eyes open, but I was smiling. I jerked back up and bounced back down again, around 3 to 4 times, and all I could hear was my scream of freedom echoing , and my heart snickering to my head an “ I told you so”.Trees stemming from branches and leaves ; not roots, standing on cotton candy clouds ; not on rocky grounds, the stream gushing by above your head ; not below you and people standing upside down; a rather funny sight. Familiar faces are hard to recognize when you’re hanging upside down.The minute your hands feel comfortable clinging onto something, the “madcap” quotient of any adventure sport depreciates. While bungee jumping, you have nothing to hold on to, nothing to grab onto but yourself. To top it all, you’re hanging upside down. It may not be pleasant in the beginning, but its reinvigorating.“Don’t let this smile leave your face”, I realized I hadn’t stopped smiling ever since I took that plunge. My hands were freely suspended in the air and the wind was exuberantly kissing my face and somewhere between all that I knew I had conquered acrophobia. Somewhat.That night while sleeping, my heart kept lunging and my stomach kept cramping every time i thought about that moment when my feet glided off the bridge. What was I thinking when I dived ? Anything could have happened! The rope could have snapped, I could have snapped a bone with all that jerking and bouncing. ANYTHING. Thankfully it didn't happen, but what in the world made me take off like that without a second thought?I guess I'll keep pushing myself till I find the answer to that. Bloukrans bridge, you’re next. Sky diving, you’re in line.DetailsWhere: Jumping heights, Rishikesh. It is the highest bungee spot in India with a fall of 83 meters.Why: You have only a lifetime to push beyond your comfort zone. If not now, then when ?How much : Rs.3500 for the jump, Rs.100 as the entry ticket. Its worth it!Tips :Wear shoes . They feel more comfortable with all that gear wrapped around your legs.Clothes tend to adhere to gravity and fall back revealing your beautiful body. As much as the people below enjoy the view, wear tight clothes or tuck in your shirts.DO NOT HESITATE, no matter what. Leap and let go !PS. Sorry for the low resolution pictures taken off the internet .I had to lock up my camera before entering the site. No picture or video can remotely capture the thrill of this experience, hence no complaints!.